Candidate seeks reassurances after news of bank branch closure

Liz Gallacher

The SNP candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden has said she will seek a meeting with Clydesdale Bank following their decision to close their branch in Bishopbriggs.

Rona Mackay, aiming to become an MSP in the upcoming Holyrood elections, said she has written to the bank seeking assurances that steps will be taken to limit the impact on staff and customers affected by the decision and is seeking a meeting with the bank to discuss this further.

She said: “This is a disappointing decision that will be a setback to efforts to revitalise the town centre and will cause significant disruption for Clydesdale customers, including many local businesses.

“The decision to close a local bank will always have a greater impact on older people and the small local businesses that are the lifeblood of our community. “I have written to the bank seeking reassurances that they will take steps to ensure that the adverse impact on staff and customers is limited as much as possible.

“While this will be a difficult time for Clydesdale staff I am encouraged by the bank’s commitment to offering employees redeployment.

“If elected next month I will work with other local representatives towards limiting the impact of this closure on Bishopbriggs on our local economy.”

The Bishopriggs branch of the bank at The Triangle shopping centre employs 10 staff and is to close in July because of the “changing needs of customers.”

The lease of the building is also set to lapse.

The lender has said that “wherever possible, frontline branch staff will be found roles either within other branches or elsewhere in the bank.”

Steve Fletcher, Head of Clydesdale Customer Banking Networks added: “I understand this will not be welcome news for those who use this branch.

“These are difficult decisions but ones we must face as we try to keep up with the pace of change in the way people want to bank.”